The 2015 edition of NFPA 720: Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment provides updated rules for installation, location, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of carbon monoxide detection and warning equipment in all types of structures.

Changes benefit the public and personnel involved with CO equipment -- from manufacturers to first responders.

This edition has been revised to make CO equipment more effective and reliable. Everyone from manufacturers to installers, maintainers, inspectors, and emergency personnel needs to know about updates in this edition:

New personnel qualifications in Chapter 4 are more specific to CO systems to help ensure personnel are capable of the job.

Reformatted inspection and testing tables in Chapter 8 align with NFPA 72®: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code to improve usability for inspection and testing professionals.

New secondary power supply standby capacity of 24 hours for CO alarms and Household CO Systems provides for a longer period of power outage. This change from 8 hours to 24 hours in Chapter 9 benefits consumers by assuring longer CO alarms operation in emergencies.

Revised provisions in Chapter 9 for CO alarms and Household CO Systems addressing distinctive alarm signals clarify that CO, fire, and other alarm signals must use different audible signals.